METHODS TO IMPROVE CELERY (APIUM GRAVEOLENS L.) SEED QUALITY

Celery seed germination is slow and irregular. Celery seeds are formed on four umbel positions, that flower subsequently. In this study it was shown that the germination rate of celery seeds was negatively correlated with the umbel position. Because the seed density was positively correlated with the umbel position, density grading could be used to separate fast from slow germinating seeds.

It was further shown that seed density was not correlated to umbel position as such, but negatively correlated with seed maturity. Therefore prolonged seed ripening will also lead to an increase in seed quality.

Another possibility to improve the germination rate is celery seed priming. The results showed that due to the priming treatment the embryo length was doubled in size, and the embryo growth rate was increased. These two effects lead to a decrease in time to 50 % germination of about 66 % independent of seed lot or cultivar.

Commercial application of the different techniques has resulted in celery seed whith a high quality that is now widely used in Europe under the trade name Prestinun to improve celery stand establishment.